January's PC Gamer featured half a page on Civilization 4. I don't know if this has already been posted, so these are the few tidbits worth mentioning:

The screenshot shows off a rather Age Of Empires interface. Mini map on the right, unit buttons in the middle and unit stats to the left. There are icons at the top, which look like tech icons. Top-right is a question mark (help probably) and the year.

In my opinion, the graphics do not look particularly good.

They confirm the seamless zooming (from globe to city). They state that emphasis is being placed on varied attacks, rather than a mass of "over-powered tanks". They mention the multiplayer, and that it is already in a working state.

ETA, according to them, early 2006.

Thanks for the info. :)

It only included one screenshot? From the sound of it, that screenshot is different from the screenshots in the US version of PC Gamer, which didn't show any of the interface.

No link ?

It's in a magazine, what do you want? :p

I wonder if the early 2006 is correct...

Probably not.

Until I hear something from Firaxis I'm not believing anything.

AFAIR they said that they had already been working at CivIV for a longer time before they told the publicity about. The reason is that had worked at Pirates!' graphics most of the time (so that they hadn't any for CivIV) and if they had told the publicity about the working very much earlier they would have demanded screens - which'd be probably even worse than in CivIII. But I personaly don't believe all that ... :undecide:

I want to see that screenshot. but 2006 is probably to late if i'm right probably at the most the games going to be released in late 2005 or Christmas 2005.

A Christmas 2005 release would be great. But it will slip.

i hope it will be something like rome total war when you can fight your own battles and so that swordmen dont win a fight against a tank... i hate obsolete units in modern age

Are there any pictures?

Don't know if it's the same screen but check in Micaelis Rex's thread here (http://forums.civfanatics.com/showthread.php?t=108433).

It's a picture you've already seen, but WITH the interface. I've just scanned it for Thunderfall. He won't be posting it though.

It turns out its the same as MRex's.

edit: I also scanned the entire article. And the picture size/quality of the article and screenshot are superb.

Hello, I've just seen some screenshots of what is supposed to be Civ4...
I really hope that won't be the final image of the game... it's so... like AoE... it's not horrible, but I think Civilization deserves something better
Well, the date of release is still far away, so I think the final image will be much better.
Greetings.

Those graphics are terrible at this point, although I'm sure that at this point in the development cycle they're more focused on getting the mechanics down pat before they spruce up the visuals. I HOPE so, anyhow. ;)

Of course the graphics are terrible, I remember some of the old graphics for civ 3 and almost threw up...have patiance...and from what i read no more spearmen killing tank so its all gravy baby

I may be the only one who thinks the graphics are all right.

I'd be happy if they kept the graphics just as they are in CivIII and just worked entierly on the AI and game itself, but that's just me.

i hope it will be something like rome total war when you can fight your own battles and so that swordmen dont win a fight against a tank... i hate obsolete units in modern age

No, Civ should remain a TBS. It should never ever incorporate RTS elements.

I may be the only one who thinks the graphics are all right.


I fervently hope so.

If the graphics in civ4 are cartoony, I ain't paying for it.


Bad enough that it looks like concepts such as corruption and pollution are going to be dispensed with...

As for cartoonieness, I think people will have to live with it, as it appears that the style will be similar to that of SMP!.

arghhhhhhhhhh! it looks cak n i dont like anything about it like the multi units n stuff. im stil gona buy it tho ;)

Cak? :confused:

I fervently hope so.

If the graphics in civ4 are cartoony, I ain't paying for it.


Bad enough that it looks like concepts such as corruption and pollution are going to be dispensed with...

Or get Warpstorm or snoopy to make new graphics. ;)

At the firaxis websit they are looking for
Scenario Designer

Responsibilities:
• Develop tutorials
• Design custom maps
• Create full scenarios
• Test and analyze modding tools

Required Skills:
• 3+ years of scenario design experience (please reference at least one playable scenario)
• Extensive knowledge of Civilization & Turn-Based Strategy Games
• Passion for making great games
• Prototyping , writing, and presentation skills
• Communicates effectively in team environments

Bonus Skills:
• Completed scenarios for Civ 2, Civ 3, or Alpha Centauri
• B.S. in Computer Science or related field
• Python Scripting
• XML
• C++

This would prove that they are not going out of the turn based game and into and RTS type game. Why would they hire someone with extensive turn-based strategy if they are going to turn civIV into an RTS game.

It was announced that Civ 4 will be a TBS game a while ago.